Green Island, Taiwan Island
Taiwanese island with coral reefs and marine park
Off Taiwan's southeast coast, Green Island (Ludao) draws divers to coral reefs and clear water. Visitors snorkel and scuba, bathe in the Zhaori saltwater hot spring, cycle around fishing villages and visit the island's lighthouse.
Green Island, Taiwan at a Glance#
Address: Green Island (Lyudao), Taitung County, Taiwan
About Green Island, Taiwan#
Green Island (Lǜdǎo) is a small volcanic island off Taiwan’s eastern coast, administered by Taitung County. It is known for its coastal marine environment and a handful of distinctive sites on a compact land area.
Green Island was used as a penal location during the mid-20th century; the former prison complex has been preserved as a museum and human rights site. Over time the island’s economy shifted toward tourism focused on its natural marine resources.
The island sits in the Pacific Ocean off Taiwan’s southeast coast, southeast of Taitung City. It is small and rocky with a low population and is reached by regular ferry services and occasional flights from the Taiwanese mainland.
- Getting around: Ferries and a small airport connect the island to Taitung on Taiwan’s east coast, and the island is compact enough to explore by scooter or bicycle.
- Marine recreation: The surrounding waters are known for coral reefs and clear conditions that make the area popular for diving and snorkeling.
What to See#
- Zhaori Hot Spring: A natural saltwater hot spring on the shore of the island, notable because marine hot springs are uncommon; pools and simple facilities are open to visitors.
- Former prison and memorial: A former penal complex from Taiwan’s mid-20th-century period of political imprisonment has been preserved and converted into a museum and memorial site focused on human rights history.
- Lighthouse and viewpoints: A small lighthouse and rugged coastal viewpoints provide popular photo spots and views across the Pacific Ocean; the island is compact and walkable between sites.
How to Get to Green Island, Taiwan#
Ferries from Fugang Harbor (Taitung) run to Green Island; the trip takes about 50-70 minutes depending on vessel. Small aircraft services also operate seasonally from Taitung.
Tips for Visiting Green Island, Taiwan#
- Ferries from Taitung's Fugang Harbor are the usual way to reach Green Island-book in advance in high season.
- The island is famous for diving and snorkeling; certify or book with local dive operators for reef outings.
- Green Island is small-rent a scooter to explore coves and the saltwater hot springs efficiently.
Best Time to Visit Green Island, Taiwan#
Spring through autumn for diving and full tourist services; avoid typhoon season (typically Aug-Oct) if possible.
Weather & Climate near Green Island, Taiwan#
Green Island, Taiwan's climate is classified as Tropical Rainforest - Tropical Rainforest climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and mild winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 17°C to 30°C. Heavy rainfall (2399 mm/year), wettest in September.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Acceptable | 17° - 21° | 19° | 142 mm | overcast | 80% | 7.3 m/s | 1.0 moderate | 10.8h |
| February | Good | 17° - 21° | 19° | 131 mm | overcast | 80% | 5.8 m/s | 1.3 high | 11.3h |
| March | Very Good | 19° - 23° | 21° | 141 mm | overcast | 80% | 5.2 m/s | 1.4 high | 11.9h |
| April | Very Good | 21° - 25° | 23° | 123 mm | overcast | 80% | 3.9 m/s | 1.7 very high | 12.6h |
| May | Good | 23° - 27° | 25° | 204 mm | overcast | 81% | 4.1 m/s | 2.0 extreme | 13.1h |
| June | Very Good | 24° - 29° | 27° | 177 mm | partly cloudy | 83% | 3.5 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 13.4h |
| July | Very Good | 25° - 30° | 31° | 275 mm | partly cloudy | 83% | 3.8 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 13.2h |
| August | Very Good | 25° - 29° | 27° | 284 mm | partly cloudy | 83% | 3.7 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 12.8h |
| September | Very Good | 24° - 28° | 26° | 337 mm | partly cloudy | 83% | 3.3 m/s | 1.9 very high | 12.2h |
| October | Very Good | 23° - 27° | 25° | 283 mm | partly cloudy | 81% | 4.0 m/s | 1.5 very high | 11.5h |
| November | Good | 20° - 24° | 22° | 155 mm | overcast | 81% | 4.9 m/s | 1.1 high | 10.9h |
| December | Good | 18° - 22° | 20° | 147 mm | overcast | 80% | 6.7 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 10.7h |